Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• Macaroni (8 ounces (about 2 cups))
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
• Milk (2 cups (preferably whole milk))
• Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Bread crumbs (1 cup (preferably panko for extra crunch))
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
7. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.